| SoC supports Windows CE, sub-$85 mini-PC |
Oct. 19, 2007
 Taiwan-based DMP Electronics has released an affordable, 32-bit x86-compatible system-on-chip (SoC) that is said to run Windows CE. The Vortex86SX has already shown up in at least two boards and is also at the heart of a mini-PC that sells for under $85.
DMP's 300 MHz Vortex86SX SoC (system-on-chip) is apparently also sold as the "MSTI PSX-300" (both DMP Electronics and MSTI are members of the DM&P Group). With its 0.13 micron process, the Vortex86SX is said to consume only 0.9W at 300MHz and 0.2W at 66MHz.
The SoC packs numerous functions into its tight 27x27mm package, including a 32-bit, x86-compatible CPU, plus extensive northbridge and southbridge functions. On-chip controllers include serial, parallel, USB, GPIO (general purpose I/O lines), watchdog timer, counter, and a 10/100Mbps Ethernet controller (NE2000 compatible) -- see block diagram, below.
Vortex86 SoC block diagram
(Click to enlarge)
DMP has built the Vortex86SX into several boards, the VSX-6190 and VSX-6190S, similar except for the latter's lack of VGA functionality. In addition to the Vortex86SX SoC, the VSX-6190 is said to include 64 MB or 128 MB of DDR DRAM, a 10/100 Ethernet controller, and USB. Measuring 6.7 x 6.7 inches, the board also features PC/104, PCI-104, and PCI bus interfaces, according to the company.
DMP's VSX-6190 board uses the Vortex86SX processor
DMP also employs the Vortex86SX in a complete computer, the eBox-2300SX, which is presumably built around the VSX-6190. The device ships with 128MB of DDR RAM, three USB 2.0 ports, one Type I/II CompactFlash slot, and a 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN port.
DMP's eBox-2300SX system incorporates the Vortex86SX processor
Options include dual RS-232 ports, mini-PCI, WiFi, and 24-bit GPIO (general purpose I/O lines). The eBox-2300SX also supports IDE and, unusually, the 44-pin box header for this is accessible through a cut-out in the front panel. DMP cites 2.5-inch hard drive support but does not specify whether or not this is internal.
Also present, but not detailed further, is VGA output. The fanless device measures just 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches (115 x 115 x 35 mm) and weighs 18 ounces (505 gm). It includes VESA-compliant mounting holes, enabling it to be attached directly to the rear of VESA flat panels.
Norhtec's sub-$85 MicroClient JrSX |
While DMP did not provide pricing information for the eBox-2300SX, the same basic device is being offered by Bangkok-based Norhtec as the MicroClient JrSX (depicted at right). Norhtec quotes the sub-$85 selling price for the unit, subject to Linux being the operating system (prices with Windows CE were not disclosed).
The MicroClient JrSX is almost certainly built for Norhtec by DMP. Worthy of note, however, is that the device lacks the eBox-2300SX's externally-accessible IDE interface.
Finally, one or another of DMP's new eBox products is likely set to become familiar to a new generation of Windows CE developers. That's because Microsoft plans to give away as many as 200 development systems to competitors in the Embedded Development category of its Imagine Cup student competition for 2008.
In the 2007 version of the competition, semifinalists were supplied with the similar eBox-2300 running Windows CE, to which they were free to add peripherals appropriate to their projects. The eBox-2300 employs the earlier Vortex86 processor, clocked at 200 MHz.
DMP distributor ICOP Technology currently offers both the eBox-2300SX and the eBox-2300. Pricing for the former was not disclosed, but the eBox-2300 sells for approximately $250, including a 120-day evaluation version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder along with a BSP (board support package), SDK, and pre-built Windows Embedded CE 6.0 image that supports the kit's hardware.
Interestingly, there also appears to be a PC/104-Plus form-factor SBC (single-board computer) based on MSTI-branded version of the Vortex86SX. Details of that module are here.
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